Robert R. Oswald Sr.

Robert R. Oswald, Sr. also known as "Ozzie", 88, of Lower Alsace Township, Berks County, passed away on hospice at Reading Hospital on Thursday, December 12, 2024. Robert was born in Reading, PA, the son of the late Carl and Monica (Ulrich) Oswald. Robert graduated from Central Catholic High School, Reading, and attended Kutztown College. In recent years he had worked part-time driving for PA Truck. Prior to that Robert and his wife Norma had driven as a team over the road trucking for many different companies. His CB handle was the"Wizard of Oz".

Robert is survived by his wife, Norma (Sauer) Oswald, of Reading; his daughter Antionette "Toni" Rapp, wife of Mark of Oley; his sons Robert R. Oswald, husband of Kathy of Boyertown, William R. Oswald, companion of Nikki Miller of Portland, OR, and James D. Oswald, husband of Tammy of Reading; as well as six grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

Robert is also survived by his sisters Julie Warhola of New Hampshire, Carla Reed of Virginia, Patricia Templin of Fleetwood, PA, Barbara McDonald of Reading, PA, and his brother James Oswald of Seattle, Washington. He was preceded in death by his sister Susan Strickland.

In the early 60's Robert served in the Air National Guard. Robert loved Volkswagons. He could always be found tinkering with something in his pole building. He raced Volkswagons for nearly 50 years, and was entered in the Weatherly Hall of Fame in 2021. He last raced in a VW Beetle and a Karmen Ghia. He would spend hours helping his sons and teaching them how to use all the equipment and machinery he owned to maintain their race cars.

Robert also loved camping in Florida for many years at Long Point Park, Melbourne Beach, FL. He loved going fishing with his friends, and dearly loved his pets. Robert was also a pattern, tool, and die maker, doing blow molds for many local companies.

Visitation with family and friends will be held on Friday, December 20, 2024 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, with services beginning at 12:00 pm in Lutz Funeral Home, Inc. 2100 Perkiomen Avenue, Reading, PA 19606. Interment will follow at Spies Zion Cemetery, 318 Spies Church Road, Reading, PA 19606. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675, or at www.woundedwarriorproject.org. Lutz Funeral Home, Inc. is in charge of arrangements. For online condolences, please visit www.LutzFuneralHome.com.